by Melissa Hill
“What do you mean?” Ella said turning to her in amazement. “Patrick is the best-behaved five-year old, I know.”
Nina laughed. “No, you’re right, he’s good as gold. I was talking about Emma’s,” she said referring to her friend, Emma Harrington, another Lakeview mum. “He was over playing with Patrick yesterday, and my bones are still aching. He has way too much energy.”
Ella was thoughtful. “Mikey is about four now too, isn't he? Why don’t you introduce yourself and Emma to Grace, the woman with the twin boys, that way the boys can have some playmates for the summer.”
Nina was silent. “Look Ella, I know you mean well, but the summer tourists aren’t always that friendly.”
“Grace seems very friendly.”
The younger woman raised an eyebrow. “Not what I saw when she was screeching at those poor boys.”
“She was at her wits end, though.”
Nina shrugged and Ella thought she seemed a little distracted. “We’ll see. I’d better get the order for that table.”
But as she returned to the office, Ella realised that the table her friend seemed so eager to return to was none other than Sam’s.
She watched for a moment, as the two of them laughed together at something.
Interesting, she thought with a smile.
Perhaps something other than coffee might be brewing in her cafe this summer?
9
The following morning Nina looked out the window of her and Patrick’s little flat on Lakeview Main Street, hardly unable to believe what she was seeing.
Her breath caught as she smiled at the scene before her. Sam was on the street teaching Patrick how to use a skipping rope. The two of them were laughing and clearly enjoying themselves.
The hair on the top of Sam’s head was standing as it did most times, and Nina felt an urge to run her fingers through it.
Since his arrival two weeks before, she and Sam had struck up somewhat of a friendship during his time at the cafe. Though Nina had been hesitant to talk to him initially, as he was like a yoyo with his mood changes. Sometimes he wanted conversation, other times not.
He and Patrick played for ten or so more minutes and she saw Sam look up at the window, where he knew Nina lived. She swallowed hard when their gazes met. He had the most arresting eyes she had ever seen. They were almond-shaped and grey, a colour that either lightened or darkened depending on his mood.
She reacted like that a lot these days whenever she saw Sam. He had sharp cheekbones and lips that were perfectly shaped, possibly resembling those handsome heroes he wrote about in his books. To her embarrassment, Nina had roamed the local bookshop looking for one that stocked his novels. He was a brilliant writer, there was no doubt about that, but the type of thriller stories he wrote about were not quite her taste.
She waved and quickly went downstairs to join them.
Now she smiled broadly at Sam. “Aren’t you the active one?” she said.
“That’s my exercise for the day done,” he grinned before adding. “Any chance of a cup of tea?”
“I can even do better than that, I can make you brunch if you like,” Nina said, her heart beating faster that norm. “Patrick and I were just about to eat actually.”
“That would be brilliant, thanks,” Sam said, following her upstairs to her small two bed flat.
Nina knew why the palms of her hands were sweaty and her body was tense. It was embarrassing and she had promised herself that nobody including Sam would ever know. She had a major crush on him.
Initially, she had told herself that perhaps it was because he was sort of a celebrity, but that reason didn’t hold any water. After all, when he first came to Lakeview, she had no idea who he was.
At the cafe, she could look at him all day without getting bored. He was handsome but more than that, his face was like a changing landscape. It reflected the mood that he was in. Sometimes his features were tight and tense, and when he was happy, like now, his face glowed.
Nina busied herself frying eggs and bacon, and when they were ready; she popped two slices of bread in the toaster. Tea was ready and she poured two cups, and sat down opposite Sam at the table. She almost jumped when their knees touched, but she managed to calm herself down.
“How’s the book going these days?” Nina asked, sipping on her tea, while cutting up bacon for Patrick.
Sam nodded. “Good, much better than expected. If it continues moving at that pace, I may be gone before the summer is up.”
“Might be time for a break then. Patrick and I are going for a walk around the lake trail after this, want to come?” Nina said, trying to sound casual. “It’s too beautiful a day to stay cooped up inside.”
Sam looked up in surprise. He seemed to contemplate this for a moment, and Nina wanted to shrink into the ground at that very moment. What had made her open her big mouth?
“Sounds like a great idea. I’d love to see a bit more of the place, actually.”
Nina tried her utmost not to grin like an idiot.
10
An hour later, the three of them left the flat. The weather was warm, with a slight breeze blowing from the lake.
Nina had changed clothes and wore a pair of loose shorts and a sports t-shirt that emphasised her slim body. Little Patrick was also in shorts and a t-shirt, while Sam wore his relaxed writer ‘uniform’ of light canvas trousers and a linen shirt.
Nina guessed that they looked like the ideal family, a little boy skipping happily along the path, his parents strolling casually behind him. She still couldn’t believe that she had worked up the courage to invite Sam like this.
They walked leisurely along the lake through the park, shaded by swaying trees. The trail route began near the inside shores of the lake and turned upwards towards the Wicklow hills.
Nina loved this woodland part of Lakeview more than the lake, which was the bigger tourist draw. It was so peaceful.
“I’d love to experience snow in these parts,” Sam said, looking around at the rolling hills and forestry. “I’d say it’s even more spectacular.”
“Yes, winter up here has its own kind of beauty.” Nina said, picturing the ice-covered trees and houses and pine trees sprinkled with snow. “It’s so quiet in the town, and hauntingly beautiful in the woods in particular.”
“The best time of the year, I reckon.”
Nina smiled. Sam was a kindred spirit. Most people complained about the winter in Ireland, the damp cold and howling winds, but for Nina, that time of year also held a different kind of appeal. Lakeview was much quieter absent of tourists, and there was a certain comfort in seeing the same familiar faces every day.
Just when they turned the corner at the far end of the lake, Nina heard her name called out from behind.
It was Emma Harrington in the park, walking towards her and holding her little boy Mikey’s hand.
Nina smiled and waited for her friend to reach where they stood. The sun light was almost like a halo behind her head, her glossy hair bouncing as she walked. Emma was unattached and gorgeous, and while the two were good friends, having bonded over their shared single-mum status, now the other girl’s effortless glamour made Nina feel like a bag lady in front of Sam.
“Hello there,” Emma said when she got close. “Where are you all off to?”
“Just taking a walk along the trail. You’re welcome to join us, if you like,” Nina added out of politeness, though she sorely hoped her friend would refuse. Emma wasn't keen on exertion most of the time, so Nina didn't think hiking would be her scene.
“Oh great,” Emma replied, flashing Sam a sidelong smile. “We were just heading down the town for a wander but a little adventure would be fun.”
Mikey and Patrick walked on ahead, the three adults following closely behind. There was not enough space on the trail-path for the three to walk together, so Nina fell behind a step Sam and Emma.
She took this time to watch Sam. She loved the way he tilted his head slightly to speak to someone, and the way
he threw his head back when he laughed.
Which he was doing a lot with Emma, she thought, her heart twisting a little.
Stone steps led to the top of the hill and the beginning of the trail proper.
Pine trees flanked the thin pathway on either side, creating the dramatic effect of entering a darkened cave. Even though they had been here more times than Nina could count, the kids giggled as they followed her inside. The darkened effect came from leaving a well-lit area to a shaded area, and soon their eyes adjusted to the light.
“Hey boys, anyone know the names of these trees?” Nina asked, referring to some broad-leafed trees on the left side.
“I do, Mum,” Mikey yelled from behind. “They’re called elms.”
“Correct, well done. And who knows when this trail was completed?” she continued.
“I do.” Sam’s deep voice replied.
She kept up the string of questions as they walked. Giggles and shouts were heard, when someone fell behind or tripped. Nina loved to do this, ask questions about the trail, it kept the kids busy and occupied and maintained their interest in nature.
She stopped when they reached the small wooden bridge that went over a little stream. It was almost dry now but if you came during winter, flowing water rushed down, all the way to the lake.
Emma and Sam still seemed deep in conversation, about Sam’s writing life it seemed.
“Sometimes it’s a pain,” Sam was saying. “Like now, I have a character who is into river rafting, something I’ve never done.”
“I could take you river rafting,” Emma offered quickly. “We do a lot of that around these parts.”
“I didn’t say it’s something I want to try,” Sam joked.
“Coward,” she teased.
They were obviously flirting, which made Nina feel stupid. Of course someone like Sam would be way more interested in the likes of Emma. Why had she even thought to assume any different? And maybe she was dreaming but she’d never once heard Emma mention anything about ever going river rafting.
“What do you think Nina - should I give it a go?” Sam said then, turning to look at her and giving her a penetrating look that made her legs feel like they were made of water.
She pretended to give it a lot of thought.
“You should, it’s not hard at all. A little scary at first, but if you have a weak stomach maybe it’s not the greatest idea, because you’ll get tossed and turned like a washing machine.”
Sam beat his hard stomach with his hand. “My stomach can handle it.”
“In that case give it a shot. You can’t be here and not try rafting once. And I’m sure it would be good for research.”
“OK, you’ve convinced me, I will.”
Nina saw the way Emma’s eyes lit up at this, and knew for sure that her friend liked him. “Perfect. It’s a date, then. Don’t worry, it’ll be fun, I’ll make sure of it.”
Nina’s heart fell into the pit of her stomach, unbidden. She grabbed the boys by the hand, and they continued walking.
Further on, they came to her favourite spot on the trail - the meadow at the top of the hills. Up here, the grass was an almost translucent green, and grew so long in some places, an adult could hide unseen.
Yellow butterflies could be seen flying from one long grass to another, or landing on the multicoloured flowers, merging with the flower completely so that you couldn’t tell which was butterfly or flower. The kids broke into a run, chasing the butterflies in the long grass.
“You can’t see this at all from back there,” Sam said his voice filled with awe.
Nina felt her heart swell with pride, as though she was responsible for the presence of the meadow. She loved the surprise in visitor’s voices when they first saw the place. “Sometimes you even get to see deer roaming about.”
“It just looks so … natural,” Sam said.
“It is. These days it’s protected but back in the olden days, farmers used it to graze their cattle and sheep. The meadow gets its water from the river water tributaries, which run underground, hence its greenness and beauty all year round.”
“You’re really good at this stuff Nina, have you ever considered becoming a tour guide?” Sam asked.
Nina found herself blushing.
“I always tell her the same thing. Nina would make a fantastic tour guide; she’s the town history custodian too,” Emma laughed.
Nina bristled a little. Why did her friend have to expose her secret dreams like that? She had once confided in Emma that she might like to work in tourism. Now Sam was in on it too, and Nina couldn’t explain the fear she felt at the thought of going back to work full-time.
“Ah, where would I get the time to do something like that?” she replied in a light tone. She found herself squirming under Sam’s stare.
“Honestly. You have a real talent for this sort of thing Nina, don’t waste it,” he said solemnly.
Perhaps he was right, but something held her back from pursuing her dreams. And that little something was scrambling ahead of them as they walked.
After a little while, they headed back down the trail, but this time, Nina was very quiet.
Her mind swirled with the possibilities. For the first time in years, she felt herself growing braver, and thinking how her life would be if she went back into the workplace proper. She enjoyed waitressing for Ella now and again, but the truth was that she mostly did it for extra money and the chance to get out and about.
Who knew maybe someday, she would think about a career and what would happen when her son got older and didn't need her so much any more.
But that was some way off, so for now, Nina would concentrate on what she’d promised to do right from the very beginning, be the best mother to Patrick that she could.
11
In her Lakeview holiday cottage, Marianne stood at the upstairs window that overlooked the park.
She saw their neighbour, another summer tourist and young mum who had introduced herself as Grace Carter. She seemed an anxious type, throwing nervous glances at her adorable twin boys.
Marianne watched them now at a distance, and she could see the two of them kicking a football. Grace looked to be admonishing her sons about something, probably how far one of them had hit the ball.
She watched as the younger woman gestured with both hands, throwing back her long black hair with an impatient hand and storming off to get the ball.
At this point, Marianne’s mind drifted from the scene in front of her.
Over the last few days since their arrival in Lakeview, she had seen Grace with her kids; and in truth it had now made Marianne a little more sceptical about having children. This woman obviously struggled to handle her sons and she saw herself in Grace’s shoes, wearing a permanent look of worry.
What kind of dad would Donal make either, with his phone almost always attached to his ear?
She could hear him now downstairs, giving instructions to someone in the office. They hadn’t exchanged more than good morning. He had woken up much earlier, and when Marianne got up, she found him sitting in the dining table working on his laptop.
He had waved to her without even glancing her way.
Marianne sighed. Their romantic summer break was not so far turning out as she had anticipated.
Her attention snapped back to the scene at the park when she heard a sharp cry. Grace stood clutching a ball with one hand, and gesturing with the other. One of the boys was with her and Marianne felt her insides tense when she couldn’t immediately see the other twin.
Her eyes scanned the area and that’s when she saw him - behind a tree, squatting beside the grass, looking intently at something. He was out of his mother’s view, and she was clearly frantic looking for him.
Marianne left her spot and rushed downstairs, taking the steps two at a time. She didn’t tell Donal where she was going; he wouldn’t even know she was gone, she figured.
Outside she jogged all the way into the park, reaching Grace as fa
st as she could.
“Hi there,” Marianne said, trying to catch her breath.
‘I can’t find Josh!” Grace cried, her eyes wide with fear.
“I know, I saw from my window,” Marianne said, speaking fast. “He’s OK; he’s just behind that tree over there.”
Grace sprinted towards the huge oak tree that she pointed to and returned shortly holding Josh’s hand. He looked happy and contented, unaware of any worry he had caused.
“Don’t ever go off like that without telling me,” Grace ordered.
“I was just looking at an insect,” Josh said and shrugged his mother’s hand off.
Grace was white as a sheet, and looking at her closely, Marianne saw that she was shaking.
“I told Kevin that I couldn’t do this alone. It’s so hard.”
“Do what?” Marianne said, interested.
Grace looked at her then, as if noticing her presence for the first time.
“I’m so sorry Marianne … thanks for helping. I was going mad with worry; I thought someone had stolen him.”
Then to Marianne’s shock, Grace broke down into silent sobs.
She glanced at the boys but they had gone back to playing with the ball. Awkwardly, Marianne pulled the other woman into a hug. She was much taller, but at the moment, she just looked defeated. She felt sorry for her but wondered why two little boys overwhelmed her so much.
“Marianne!” a voice called out then. It was Donal and he was walking towards them.
“Why didn’t you say you were going out?” he said, sounding irritated.
“I thought you’d be too busy to notice I was gone,” Marianne retorted.
He glared at her and then his eyes shifted to Grace.
“This is Grace, our neighbour and those are her two boys. Grace this is my husband Donal,” Marianne said. “I came to help her find one of the boys.”
Shakily, Grace stretched out a hand. “Your wife has been wonderful. I was going mad with worry.” She turned to Marianne again. “Thank you so much.”
